15 Of The Top Genuine Leather Sofa Bloggers You Must Follow

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.

1. Check the label

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!

The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather cloud couch sofa strong and supple.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and close to it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. A quality leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and close to it. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use various materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a dead giveaway. This is typical with faux leather but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

Labels and pricing can give you an idea, but the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is genuine.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never go out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. This two-seater may be quite expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. This is a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more modern leather sofa, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not real. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been manufactured.

A great way to determine the quality of leather and fabric sofa sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded.

Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and examine the backing. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is genuine the best method is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the contact.

Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.

Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize a sofa in a given time, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.